Maccabi Tel Aviv defender Ofir Davidzada opened in a league game for the first time in several weeks on Saturday and said he felt great and that the competition for places in the club’s excellent lineup was tough.

“It was great to be back on the field today, a fantastic feeling. There is great competition for playing slots at Maccabi and it’s something you have to take into account. Enric Saborit is a great player and there is much competition for places between us in the lineup. When you get the chance to play you have to grab it with both hands and I hope I did so and proved to the coach that I deserved my selection,” he told Maccabi’s channel.

He said he had never played in a game where four goals had been disallowed but that was not an issue that should concern players.

“We should not dwell on refereeing decisions, we just need to get on with playing and look ahead,” he said after the goalless draw with Maccabi Netanya. 

“I think we played well, we were by far the better team and we had many chances but we needed just that little bit extra that was missing today for the win.”

Davidzada said that to have finished an entire league phase without conceding a goal is a “crazy achievement.”

“I’m pleased I have been able to be a part of it but much credit must go to the coach and the coaching staff, we have an excellent tactical lineup when you have players who are all at the same high level we can achieve so much more and long may our great form continue. I am also playing well and I’ll have to continue to work hard.”